WITH three rounds remaining, the Western Sydney Wanderers are in a four-way battle to secure the vital second spot on the A-League ladder.

After their 3-0 win over Perth at Parramatta on Sunday, the Wanderers have opened up a small gap on Melbourne Victory, Mariners and Adelaide, but they will need to keep winning if they don't want to be overtaken.

Their remaining schedule is anything but easy and they will need to lift a gear or two if they want to still be in second place come finals time.

The Wanderers take on the Mariners in Gosford on Saturday, at 5.30pm.

In round 26, the Wanderers are back at Pirtek Stadium to host Brisbane Roar, who at the weekend took out the Premier's Plate.

In the final round, Melbourne Heart will host the Wanderers at AAMI Park.

There is no doubt the A-League finals format favours the two club finishing first and second.

Third plays sixth and fourth hosts fifth in the first week of the elimination finals. First and second have a week off.

In the second week, first hosts the lowest-ranked winner, while second will clash with the highest ranked winner. The winners from week two go to the grand final in the third week.